Shutter Installation: DIY vs Professional in Australia

Installing new shutters can make a dramatic visual impact in your home. But before deciding on a DIY shutter project versus hiring a professional, it’s important to understand the process fully. This guide examines the key steps, time requirements, costs, tools and skills needed to undertake shutter installation in Australia for both options. Follow the advice to determine if a DIY shutter project matches your abilities or if you’re better having the work handled by experts.

DIY Shutter Installation Process

Installing shutters yourself can save on labor costs but requires handy skills, patience and the right tools. Here is the typical process:

Selecting Shutters

• Take precise window measurements and photos to order custom-sized shutter kits or standard dimensions.
• Choose affordable ready-made vinyl, aluminum or composite shutter models. More intricate wooden shutters may exceed DIY skills.
• Opt for simple hinged or sliding panels without complex tilt rods or divider rails. Manual operation only.
• Specify complete ready-to-install shutters rather than assemblies or unfinished materials needing construction.

Prepare the Work Area

• Clear sufficient space to lay out parts and tools conveniently.
• Cover floors and furnishings to protect from dust and debris.
• Have plenty of strong work tables or sawhorses on hand for assembly steps.
• Ensure adequate lighting, power outlets and ventilation for tasks.

Review Instructions Thoroughly

• Carefully read and understand all manufacturer provided instructions before starting.
• Watch installation videos if available to familiarize with key steps.
• Confirm required tools and materials. Acquire anything missing.
• Make sure mechanical skills and physical abilities are sufficient before proceeding.

Mounting Preparation

• Remove existing window treatments and any obstructing hardware or trim.
• Repair, fill and sand window frames to create smooth flat mounting surfaces.
• Measure again and mark exact shutter positions lightly in pencil directly on frames.

Shutter Assembly

• Confirm all parts came as ordered and are undamaged.
• Sand any rough edges on slats, frames or tracks to avoid snagging operation.
• Attach slats, hinges, pulls and accessories to panel frames as directed. Confirm smooth motion.
• Pre-drill shutter frame mounting holes if screws are provided.

Mount Shutters Plumb and Level

• Using a level and squared framing, attach side, top and bottom rails perfectly plumb and level.
• Hang individual shutter panels onto rails and frames with hinges. Adjust so panels align evenly when closed.
• Attach hardware like finger pulls ensuring smooth operation. Adjust and lubricate moving parts as needed.
• Seal any gaps around edges with clear silicone caulk for an airtight professional finish.

Follow all steps precisely in the manufacturer’s instructions – never omit components or steps out of sequence or final product operation, appearance and longevity will be compromised.

Time Requirements for DIY Installation

Factor in adequate time requirements when deciding on DIY:

• Planning and ordering customs shutters: 1-2 weeks
• Waiting for delivery of shutters: Up to 4 weeks
• Preparing work area and tools: 2-3 hours
• Removal of old window treatments: 1-2 hours
• Filling, sanding and cleaning frames: 2-3 hours
• Carefully reviewing instructions: 1-2 hours
• Shutter assembly using included hardware: 3-5 hours
• Hanging panels, aligning and adjusting: 3-4 hours per average window
• Total typical timeframe: 6-8 weeks

Rushing through installation often leads to mistakes and poor shutter operation. Allow plenty of time to get it right.

Cost Comparison of DIY Versus Professional

Typical price breakdown:

DIY Shutter Materials

• Vinyl or aluminum shutters: $200 – $800 per m2
• Composite polymer shutters: $400 – $1000 per m2
• Shipping costs

DIY Miscellaneous Costs

• Tools if purchased new
• Lumber for mounting boards
• Hardware, paint and supplies
• Seals, lubricants and adhesives
• Errors requiring redo’s or replacements

Professional Shutter Costs

• Premium materials installed: $600 – $1500 per m2
• Shipping often included
• No tool costs
• Installation labor
• Precision fitting and adjustments
• Warranties against defects

DIY saves on labor but risks investing in tools and supplies not reused. Consider total costs.

Essential Tools and Skills for DIY

Be sure you can acquire or have these tools and abilities for DIY:

Tools

• Tape measure
• Level
• Stud finder
• Power drill
• Driver bits
• Circular saw
• Carpenter’s square
• Hammer
• Pry bar
• Ladder

Skills

• Basic carpentry skills
• Precise measuring ability
• Proficiency following instructions
• Step-by-step assembly experience
• Skilled at operating tools safely
• Good eye for detail and alignments
• Physical stamina and strength
• Patience and time flexibility

Attempting installation without proper tools and skills will produce poor results.

Benefits of Hiring Professional Installers

Pro installers offer expertise you can’t get with DIY:

Higher Quality Materials

Professionals have trade access to premium shutter options like woods or high-end composites beyond just DIY big box retailer supplies. These ensure longer-lasting beauty and performance.

Expert Measuring

Experienced installers skillfully measure even challenging windows to precision tolerances ensuring perfect fitting shutters. Weekend DIYers often mismeasure resulting in poorly fitted products.

Accurate Framing and Alignment

Professionals properly shim, reinforce, and cross-brace frames to avoid sagging or skewing of shutters over time. DIY mounting into drywall often lacks adequate structural longevity.

Reduced Installation Time

Experts can complete shutter hanging rapidly with specialized tools while carefully leveling, spacing and adjusting. DIYers average double the time or more fumbling with improvised equipment.

Smoother Operation

Specialists methodically adjust hinges, carriers, tracks and glides ensuring smooth shutter operation long-term. DIY products often bind or catch due to amateur alignments.

Professional Finishing

From trim molding integration to spackling and caulking, experts handle all finish details for clean, integrated installations. DIY caulking around new shutters often appears awkwardly amateurish.

Warranties and Quality Assurance

Reputable installation pros stand behind their work and will replace any problem shutters without question. DIY mistakes offer no recourse.

Consider all factors when deciding between DIY and professional installation on your quality shutter investment.

Where to Find Shutter Installation Professionals

If hiring out shutter installation, find qualified local specialists:

• Search “shutter installation + your city” online and read reviews.
• Check profiles and photo galleries to validate expertise.
• Ensure they have display showrooms where you can see product quality first.
• Ask about experience with your specific shutter materials being considered.
• Request references from recent clients to confirm satisfaction.
• Look for companies specializing in window treatments rather than general contractors.
• Established firms with 5+ years in business suggest stability and reputation.
• Seek small specialty providers for more attentive service over large impersonal outlets.
• Verify licenses, insurance and bonding to ensure professional legitimacy.

Retaining competent shutter installation pros gives peace of mind your investment will meet expectations.

Questions to Ask Potential Shutter Installers

Important things to ask when interviewing local shutter installation companies:

• How long have you been specializing in shutter installations?
• Are you factory certified by major brands like Hunter Douglas or Luxaflex?
• May I see licenses and proof of insurance?
• Do you provide written contracts and warranties?
• Will you perform the work or use subcontractors?
• Who will be the project supervisor and main contact?
• What are your standard working hours and installation timeline?
• How far in advance do you book shutter installation appointments?
• How much work disruption should I expect in my home during the process?
• Do you have a showroom displaying shutter product quality?

Choose a provider aligned with your expectations, specifications, and schedule.

We Can Consult on Your Shutter Installation

While DIY shutter installation is feasible for some, complexities often make hiring Aussie professionals advisable to get satisfying results. We offer transparent guidance on whether your skills, budget and tools align with tackling shutter installation yourself versus the benefits of using qualified experts. Contact us to discuss your project and receive an obligation-free quote for cost comparison. Make an informed choice – avoid disappointment by having the pros handle your shutter installation correctly the first time.